San Marcos is located about 6 miles inland from the ocean and about 30 miles from downtown San Diego. The community covers about 24 square miles and, as of the 2017 census, had about 96,000 residents. Census data also indicate a fairly diverse population.

San Marcos, because of its inland location, tends to offer a warmer climate than Carlsbad. The west side of San Marcos, however, gets some of the same coastal climate (marine layer, ocean breezes, cooler temperatures). San Marcos is a mix of residential and commercial areas, as well as undeveloped space. The 78 freeway provides easy access inland to Escondido and the 15 (north to Riverside County, south to San Diego). Or west to Oceanside, the 5 freeway, the coast and the beaches. San Marcos is home to California State University – San Marcos and Palomar College.

The largest, and newest, housing area in San Marcos is San Elijo Hills. San Elijo Hills is a master planned community located on the southwestern edge of town high in the hills. Other well known neighborhoods include Santa Fe Hills, Discovery Hills, Discovery Meadows, Twin Oaks Valley, and Rancho Dorado. The golf resort/residential community of Lake San Marcos, that includes a 55+ residential area. And the area around Cal State San Marcos continues to grow and change, with new commercial and residential areas (e.g., newer homes at Rancho Tessoro).

The San Marcos real estate market offers a range of housing including apartments, condos, attached and detached homes. There are several 55+ communities, and assisted living facilities. You will also find some new construction by the university currently being built (2022).

San Marcos is known for having a large commercial and retail area, with numerous shops, shopping centers, and restaurants. You’ll find a host of other service and light industrial establishments, especially along San Marcos Boulevard. While you won’t find much high-end shopping, you’ll likely find whatever you need here, with lots of choices. Examples include home improvement/remodeling, electronics, appliances, landscaping, clothing, furniture, gardening, cars/trucks, wines and liquor. There are many small businesses and non-profit organizations, too.
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Much of the shopping is located along Grand Avenue, Rancho Santa Fe Road, and San Marcos Boulevard. The latter is the main thoroughfare running roughly east and west, and becomes Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad.
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While San Marcos may not be known as an eating mecca, there are many restaurants and fast food eateries here. You’ll find a wide array of foods and styles, from extremely casual to relaxed upscale, and to fit every budget. Old California Restaurant Row, on San Marcos Boulevard, has about 14 restaurants (e.g., Fish House Vera Cruz, which includes a seafood market). You’ll find they change from time to time. If you like a variety of foods and are not looking for expensive restaurants, you will be very happy with the broad range of places to dine in San Marcos.

San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240009361
$3,800
1515
sqft
3
Baths
3
Beds
Available June 1st. Wonderful 3 bedroom townhome in Morgan's Corner, in the heart of the San Elijo Hills Village. With a 2-car attached garage and 1st-floor kitchen, dining, living room, laundry, and powder room, this desirable open concept, end unit, comes fully equipped with all appliances including a newer washer & dryer. Enjoy the convenience of having tiles on the ground floor and a lovely built-in entertainment center matching the kitchen white cabinetry. On the 2nd floor you'll find 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and on the 3rd floor a spacious and charming loft with wood floors and beautiful views of the Hills! Listed as a bedroom this loft could be used as an office or as a bonus room. Morgan's corner features a fantastic community pool & spa and offers a city lifestyle at your door step! Restaurants, coffee shops, award winning elementary and middle school, parks, trails, dog park, BBQ, sports fields to name a few of the numerous offerings of this community! Photos available per request.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240007181
$4,000
1080
sqft
1
Baths
3
Beds
Welcome to your new home! This beautiful ranch-style single-story property is conveniently situated in San Marcos, offering comfort and convenience in one package. Boasting 3 bedrooms and 1 bath, this charming home sits on a spacious 6,000 square foot lot, making it an ideal choice for families seeking the best school district or downsizing individuals. Step into the expansive backyard and unwind in your personal oasis lush artificial grass, fruitful trees, you can utilize your outdoor space to your heart's content. Located just a short stroll away from Sunset Park, Bradley Park, and the esteemed International Baccalaureate La Mirada Academy K-8 school, you'll appreciate the convenience of nearby amenities and recreational opportunities. Additionally, you'll find yourself in close proximity to a myriad of dining options, shopping destinations, Lake San Marcos, recreational activities, and major freeways, ensuring that you're never far from the action. Fill out application on site to be included in a walk. 4/27/24
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240002595
$5,500
2060
sqft
2
Baths
3
Beds
LAKEFRONT property and fully furnished. Floor to ceiling windows facing the lake and the large outdoor patio. This 3bed/2bath includes central air, washer/dryer, and gym equipment. Nicely updated stylish home has a king size bed in the master bedroom, a full bed in the 2nd bedroom and bunk-beds in the 3rd bedroom. Situated in a resort community with an award winning public golf course, pickle ball courts, swimming pools, and a well known four star resort hotel and restaurant. The garage can hold one car plus storage. Ample street parking and wide driveway. The neighborhood: Lake San Marcos is an award winning community that has consistently been named as one of the safest neighborhoods in San Diego county. Lake San Marcos comes complete with two public golf courses, an executive, a full course, and driving range. There's a wonderful wine bar located on the executive course, a delicious grill with a bar and fire pits located on the larger full course. Guests can rent paddle boards and motorized electric boats to enjoy the lake. Additionally the resort includes tennis courts, two pools and a well known upscale Italian restaurant for lakeside dining.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008335
$5,950
2471
sqft
3
Baths
5
Beds
Newly constructed in 2018, this beautiful home is located in the gated neighborhood of Vientos at Rancho Tesoro. Quiet location on a peaceful cul-de-sac. Open floorplan with family/living room, dining next to the patio. Chef's kitchen with Quartz counters, upgraded cabinetry, stainless appliances and gas range. Downstairs bedroom and full bath. Upstairs has a huge open loft that is perfect for a second family room, media, library, study or hangout for homework and play. Spacious master wing with luxurious bath and large walk-in closet. Laundry room with cabinet and large closet with shelves. Walk to the resort style recreation center with pool, cabanas, play yard, BBQ area and picnic tables. Surrounded by rolling hills with trails for walking, and biking. Close to dining, shopping, freeways and even the Sprinter train station. Easy care landscape, planters with an automatic drip system. Energy efficient LED lighting, wired with Cat 5e. USB outlets in kitchen and master bedroom. On demand tankless water heater. Central forced air & heating with separate zones for each level.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240007723
$6,495
3449
sqft
5
Baths
5
Beds
Nestled within the prestigious gated community of Promontory Ridge, situated in the coveted San Elijo Hills area, this executive home epitomizes luxury living. Offering a spacious layout and equipped with solar system, residence features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms, gifting you an ample space for both comfort and entertainment. Upon entering, guests are greeted by the grandeur of high ceilings and expansive windows that flood the interior with natural light, creating an inviting ambiance throughout. The heart of the home centers around a gourmet kitchen adorned with a generous island, perfect for culinary endeavors and social gatherings alike. Convenience is paramount, with one bedroom conveniently located on the ground floor, alongside a private office, laundry room, and garage entrance, providing seamless accessibility and functionality. The office exudes sophistication with its arched windows and shutters, offering an inspiring space for work or study. Ascend the staircase to discover the upstairs sanctuary, where the primary suite awaits. Double doors open to reveal an oasis of relaxation, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a sprawling walk-in closet upgraded with built-in organizers, ensuring both luxury and practicality. Unwind in the indulgent tub or rejuvenate in the separate shower, indulging in a spa-like experience within the comfort of home. Outside, the private backyard beckons for outdoor enjoyment, providing a serene retreat to bask in the California sunshine or entertain guests amidst lush landscaping and tranquil surroundings.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240008591
$10,800
5754
sqft
6
Baths
5
Beds
Experience living like you are on the top of the world with 180 degree panoramic mountain views and ocean in the rarely available gated community of the prestigious Estate of the San Elijo Hill! This elegant 5754 SQ FT home sits on a cul-de-sac with southern views that can be enjoyed from almost every room. It features a 5 bedroom ensuite, including a guest suite with kitchenette and own entrance, plus a private office downstairs and a spacious loft and a study area. Courtyard welcomes your guests upon entry. The great room showcases its views through glass wall that can disappear into the wall pocket to create quintessential indoor outdoor California living. Kitchen with high end appliances, butler & walk in pantry offers plenty of storage. Its large island opens to the great room and sunroom. Additional features: Solar, Tesla electrical outlet; water softener; wall mounted TV; sound system. Landscape maintenance is included; Nearby scenic hiking trails at Double Peak park! See additional features in supplemental.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 306109110
$215,000
1060
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Cute, affordable home located in a 55+ community w/ rent control. NO PROPERTY TAXES (this home is still on HCD registration). New water heater just installed in September of 2023. The furnace was replaced approximately 5-6 years ago. New bathroom flooring and newer shutters installed on front Living room windows. The Primary Bedroom has an extra vanity / dressing area outside the ensuite bathroom. Built in hutch in Dining room and built in breakfast bar in Kitchen. Private covered porch. Spacious low maintenance yard with a producing orange tree. Large storage shed. Monthly space rent is ONLY $594.44 / month! This clean and social 55+ park offers many amenities including a clubhouse, pool, spa, car wash, fitness room, full service Kitchen, computer center, free clubhouse WIFI, laundry facilities, dog park, and more! One small pet welcome with prior management approval. Great location right across from Lake San Marcos,close to the coast (only about 10 miles to Carlsbad Beaches)and convenient to all that San Marcos has to offer including three golf courses, North City, breweries and dining, the San Marcos senior center, entertainment, excellenttransportation, exceptional parks, trails, and community recreation programs, and the nearby Kaiser medical center, Palomar Hospital, and the NEW Kaiser hospital.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240004331
$259,000
1344
sqft
2
Baths
2
Beds
Turn Key ready! Situated on the east perimeter with NO units behind; a very desirable Location in park, allowing beautiful vistas of expansive mountain and endless sky views enjoyed from the primary bedroom window and out over a verdant back yard rich with lemon and loquat fruit trees. Distant evening lights at night. The home has been well maintained and gently lived in by the family for nearly 25 years. The electric lift/elevator provides convenient access from carport. Come see this unique opportunity into Rancho Vallecitos Mobile Estates, a rent controlled and age restricted community featuring a vaunted culture where amenities and sanguine activities abound.
San Marcos, CA 92078
MLS#: 240007959
$289,900
1070
sqft
1
Baths
2
Beds
This cozy beautifully remodeled 2-bedroom home with large inclosed sunroom close to 200 square foot not included in listing square footage has a excellent open concept. This homes has modern comfort with solid wood soft close with quartz counters, new appliances and new high efficiency AC The renovation brings a fresh and updated feel to the residence, ensuring a stylish and functional living space for its occupants. The private low maintenance park yard is a must have and an very unusual added bonus. With the low rent control space rent this is a must see.
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